From research, to running orders, ITV Anglia Presenter Russell Hookey shares what goes into building the local news bulletins you trust and the team behind the camera that help him shine.
Having been working in local news television for nearly 20 years, Russell has covered all kinds of different news stories in a variety of areas across the country, having started out originally working in radio.
His current job sees him present from the ITV Anglia studio and also report on a wide range of stories from different locations, whether that be live or as part of a pre-made package.
“I couldn’t imagine doing one of those solely. The studio is a whole different skill set to working on the road. Working in the studio appears to command more respect with viewers and there’s a lot more recognition.
“I would say that the work on the road is a lot more demanding. You don’t have an autocue or people supporting you in the office and if you’re live then it’s all (the information) coming from your head.”
The importance of the people behind the camera
“They’re really important! They can leave looking like you have egg on your face if you don’t work as a team.”
When reporting live, Russell is part of a minimal team bringing the latest information on a set news story that he has been assigned to work on.
“On the road most of the team I have a camera operator and you work very closely with them. You’ll often need to offer guidance about how you’re intending to put the piece tighter. Sometimes they’ll offer up ideas, trying to be innovative and look for things that might bring that piece alive.”
The team is much bigger, however, when Russell is in the comfort of the ITV Anglia studio in the presenters chair.
“In the studio you have a whole gallery of people and people on the studio floor as well. You are hugely relying totally in their hands when the programme is live on air. Any changes that need to be communicated to you, making sure you’re looking at the right camera, they might even feed you questions in your ear. The crew around you is really really important.”
Impact of social media
It’s fair to say that the rise of social media has changed the way that news is reported and used within journalism.
“I think that it can be a good thing. It probably hasn’t replaced the wealth of local newspapers. For us, it leads us to an event or something that we wouldn’t have come across otherwise.
“It’s actually getting our programme visible on social media as well. Habits have changed for good and therefore you need to offer them the programme in a different way.”
Advice to pass on
Having spent so many years working in local news Russell was asked for his top tips for getting into the industry:
“Don’t be afraid to keep trying!
“You’ve got to offer that sparkle which makes the recruiter stop and think ‘actually we’ve got someone decent in but look at this person’. You need to be visible.
“If you get a knock back then ask for some feedback and just keep trying. Showcase the ideas that you have, don’t sit backl and think no ones going to be interested, that might appeal to a newsroom.”
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